Neighborhood Concert: Russian Chamber Chorus of New York

Richmondtown Branch Library

As the preeminent Russian vocal ensemble in the US, the Russian Chamber Chorus of New York is one of the world’s greatest ambassadors of the Eastern European creative spirit. Their rich Russian choral style features the resonant, velvety, deep bass voices that layers under pure and articulate high voices. Founded in 1984 by Artistic Director Nikolai Kachanov, the choir is known for its heartfelt singing and fascinating programming spanning many centuries and styles, from ancient liturgical chants to world premieres by leading contemporary Russian composers. The choir performs a program called “Tchaikovsky and His Contemporaries,” celebrating music from the Golden Age of Russian culture.

Nikolai Kachanov, Founder and Artistic Director of the Russian Chamber Chorus of New York, was born in the Siberian city of Barnaul, Russia, and earned a doctoral degree in choral conducting from the Novosibirsk State Conservatory. Having moved to New York, Kachanov and his wife, Tamara, founded the Russian Chamber Chorus of New York in 1984 to celebrate Russia’s rich cultural heritage and creative spirit. Kachanov has developed an annual RCCNY concert series, Parallels and Crossings; he has also created the Ussachevsky Festival of Russian-American Contemporary Music, held at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City.

This concert is part of Tchaikovsky in St. Petersburg, in celebration of Carnegie Hall’s 120th anniversary. Visit carnegiehall.org/tchaikovsky for more information.

Audio

Tchaikovsky's "Blessed Are They Whom Thou Hast Chosen"

Russian Chamber Chorus of New York | Nikolai Kachanov, Conductor

Russian Chamber Chorus of New York

In the Artist's Own Words

“Tchaikovsky and His Contemporaries” reveals the influence that Tchaikovsky had on the musical life of his contemporaries. His innovations in Russian sacred and secular music gave powerful impetus to many subsequent generations of Russian composers.